How to Start a Dog Walking Business
For many dog lovers, owning a dog walking business is a dream job. Imagine spending endless afternoons frolicking with a menagerie of dogs and being paid for it! According to Global Market Insights, the global Pet care market was valued at $USD 280 billion in 2022, and is projected to be valued at $550 billion USD by 2032.
Dogs have become family members in Australian households, and many busy families rely on dog walking services to keep four-legged family members exercised, and entertained.
Those seeking to start a dog walking business will find it to be a relatively easy endeavor, with minimal upfront costs. There is no expensive overhead, such as inventory to buy or office space to rent. A dog walking business is the ideal start-up for a stay-at-home mum, student, those seeking a career change, a side job, or semi-retiree with a love of animals.
Research Local Competition
Invest time to research local dog walking businesses. Are competitors currently hiring? This is a sign that the market is expanding for new dog walkers. What are the average hourly rates? In many metropolitan areas, dog walker rates range from $25-30 per half hour.
Look for opportunities to differentiate your services, or serve a niche. For example, will you offer a running service for more active dogs, or provide off-leash hikes for dogs with excellent recall. Write a list of the locations of where you will go and research what your local council allows with regards to dogs, or perhaps decide whether you will walk dogs around suburban blocks.
Create a List of Services
Based on your market research, finalise your rates and specify what is included with each service. Include the amount of time for each walk and whether the dog will be walked individually or in a group. Consider offering both types of services at different rates.
Join a reputable Dog Walking or Pet Sitting Organisation
A reputable professional organisation can provide credibility to a new dog walking business. Organisations such as PetCloud also provide directory listings that are searchable by potential clients. PetCloud also provides Pet Professional training for dog walkers and pet sitters.
PetCloud also saves you a lot of time in Client onboarding, booking modifications, and invoicing as its all done for you. The PetCloud App also stores clients details and their pet’s profiles, and prevents client no-shows by sending out automated sms reminders prior to client bookings starting.
PetCloud also has push notification service where Dog Walkers can get notified of dog walking job opportunities posted in their area posted on PetCloud’s Pet Jobs Board.
Insurance
In today’s litigious society, insurance is an integral part of a dog walker’s business – however – all bookings through PetCloud are covered under their insurance policy. So this will save you needing to get insurance elsewhere.
Insurance protects you financially so in the event of a pet accident requiring Veterinary attention, you won’t need to fork out money for the Vet bill. For instance, if a dog were to slip their harness or collar and get hit by a car and survived, they might require extensive surgery. Large debt can set someone back financially for years so if you keep bookings through PetCloud’s platform, your finances will be protected.
Get the word out about your services
Gain new clients by sharing your PetCloud dog walking listing URL on social media. PetCloud will also help you with custom cards with your listing URL on the card. Over time, dog owners will begin to inquire about your services.
Interview Potential Clients
When a potential client contacts you about dog walking service, schedule a 20 minute in-person initial consultation. This will give you an opportunity to go over the details about your service and allow the client to ask questions. More importantly, it gives you an opportunity to evaluate their dog in person and question the Owner about any behavioural and health issues.
Is the dog too large for you to physically restrain, if necessary? Some dogs are aggressive toward other dogs and animals, so the dog should not be booked for group walks, but private walks instead. Accept only a dog that you are comfortable handling.
Offer additional services
Don’t stop at just dog walking. Explore the idea of a pet sitting, dog washing, backyard poo patrol, or pet taxi service. Consider undergoing training to become a certified dog trainer, and offer dog training services.
Register for an ABN
Plans are always different to the reality of when you put them into action for the first time. If, after the first two Clients, you think you would like to continue, its worthwhile registering for an ABN (Australian Business Number).
This way, you may be able to claim some business expenses such as mileage (petrol), pet supplies, road tolls, phone and internet bills, business cards, walking shoes, sun protection, work related online courses, as a tax deduction. We recommend speaking to an accountant for professional advice, and keeping all your dog walking related receipts.
The potential for a thriving dog walking business is limitless. For the right animal lover, a dog walking business can be both a lucrative and rewarding career.
Awarded Pet Care Innovation of the Year 2022, & named Canstar’s best Pet Apps 2021, PetCloud is redefining pet care in Australia and is the only national pet care service marketplace to police check and insure all Pet Carers.
